Interview with Emma Thurston (Advisor)

Emma Thurston, Education Advisor, is a citizen of the world – moving many times from her home country of Canada and (currently) calling Australia home. With her studies in conservation biology combined with her work as a primary school teacher she is determined to make every day count in nurturing the planet and its’ people. Over a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea (don’t forget the milk), Emma reveals more about her background.

Question 1: Why did you join commonkind?

I joined commonkind because I believe every person should find ways, big or small, to make the world a better place. My move back to Brisbane meant that I once again had to figure out what that would look like for me. I had followed Carolina’s adventures with commonkind from afar for a few years and was so excited to finally be back in Brisbane and able to see in person all the amazing things she has been working on. I was so glad she asked me to be part of the team.

Question 2: What were you like as a child?

I was a happy, energetic and conscientious child. I loved to read, play with my friends and recount every minute of my day at the dinner table.

Question 3: What was your first volunteering experience?

My first volunteering experience was as a Sunday school teacher at church. I’ve always loved children and this opportunity gave me a chance to do a bit of teaching, a bit of singing, and have a whole lot of fun.

Question 4: What has been your most memorable volunteering experience?

I used to prepare and serve food monthly at the Jangawala food kitchen in Mount Isa. It was such a beautiful way to contribute both time and energy, planning a healthy meal, cooking it (often with my children) and then meeting members of the community I would otherwise never have spoken to.

Question 5: What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your LinkedIn profile) and what did you learn from the experience?

My first job was as a waitress in a Thai restaurant. I loved that job! It was a family owned business and my coworkers very quickly welcomed me into the fold. I learned how to problem solve, take ownership for mistakes and balance a whole tray of drinks without spilling! (except for that one time I did)

Question 6: What do you do for fun?

My fun usually involves spending time with other people. I love going out to eat, going to the movies or doing some sort of teamwork activity, like an escape room or a sport. If I want some quiet fun, I love puzzles and reading.

Question 7: What motivates you?

I am motivated by the need to be part of something; part of a family, or a community. I want to contribute to make things better for everyone.

Question 8: How do you practice self-compassion?

This is a tricky question! It is so easy to be hard on yourself and find fault in every little thing so I try to practice self compassion by remembering that we are all human. I can only try my best every day to be the best version of me and sometimes trying is good enough.

Question 9: If you could give children and young people one piece of advice, what would it be? 

You are important and enough simply because you exist. The same goes for the person sitting next to you. Try to find ways to recognise and value the humanity in everyone you meet.

Question 10: What is your most used emoji?

Learn even more about Emma and other members of the commonkind team here.